LAMINE Yamal scored a spectacular goal and made history tonight in Munich, Germany as Spain came from behind to beat France 2-1 in their Euro 2024 European Championship semi-final clash.
Barcelona youngster Yamal, who is 16 years and 362 days old, netted a stunner to bring Spain level and in the process became the youngest player to ever score in European Championship history.
Before Yamal’s goal, Spain went behind to a Randal Kolo Muani header in the ninth minute off a brilliant cross from Kylian Mbappe.
Spain, who had won all their five matches at Euro 2024 before tonight, were not fazed by the setback and they worked their way back to level terms soon enough with some exhilarating football.
Yamal picked the ball up from on the right channel outside the French box and curled in a stunning effort with his left foot that flew past Mike Maignan into the net in the 24th minute to level the score.
Spain were ahead four minutes later as Dani Olmo beat one player in the French box before firing in a shot that was deflected into the net past Maignan by Jules Kounde.
The goal was initially awarded as an own goal to the France right-back but was later credited to Olmo, making it three consecutive knockout rounds matches in which he has scored.
France were unable to reach a second consecutive major final to follow their Qatar 2022 World Cup effort despite coach Didier Deschamps’ desperate changes that included bringing on Antoine Griezmann, Bradley Barcola and Olivier Giroud in pursuit of the equaliser.
With the win, Spain have now reached their third European Championship final in the last five editions, and they won the last two in which they were involved, in 2008 and 2012.
They will face either England or the Netherlands in the final on Sunday in Berlin.
